Soil solution collection and analysis
Le résumé fourni par la source
In addition to the direct effects of stress factors on the forest canopy, forest condition is also influenced by soil-mediated effects via the tree root system. In this respect, soil solution is the matrix mediating between the solid soil and the roots because all nutrients, as well as toxic compounds, pass into the roots via the soil solution. Thus, soil solution chemistry is a valuable indicator for monitoring the effects of air pollution and other stress factors on forest ecosystems. The chemical composition of the soil solution is governed by a range of biogeochemical processes that comprise the input of atmospheric deposition into the soil, interactions between the soil solid and liquid phases and the soil gas phase, soil biological processes, and chemical equilibrium reactions. Determination of the chemical composition of the soil solution provides real-time, continuous information about nutrient availability and the possible inhibition of nutrient uptake caused by the effects of toxic elements (e.g. Al3+) on plant roots and mycorrhizas. The continuous monitoring of soil solution also provides a direct insight into the relationships between forest condition and environmental stress factors, specifically air pollution (e.g. acidifying deposition) and short-term climatic events, and facilitates the prediction of future trends in soil condition. In addition, determination of the composition of the soil solution, together with the estimation of soil water fluxes, can be used to calculate element fluxes through the soil and the output of compounds from the soil into the groundwater and other ecosystems. Together with the assessment of other element fluxes (e.g. litterfall), it is possible to determine input-output budgets of forest ecosystems in relation to deposition, climate change, as well as of forestry management practices.
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